Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) unveiled the CRF1000L Africa Twin at the ongoing Auto Expo 2016, which started on 3 February (for media). The Japanese company also announced that the adventure motorcycle will be launched in India in the second half of the 2016. The icing on the cake was the decision to locally manufacturer the vehicle in India as it would reflect in the affordable pricing.
The Africa Twin falls in the adventure motorcycle segment that usually comes with lightweight frame for off-road performance, touring comfort and agile handling for daily use. The Africa Twin is powered by a 998cc, parallel twin liquid-cooled engine with 270 degree crank and uni-cam. The engine develops 94bhp at 7,500rpm and 98Nm of torque at 6,000rpm mated to either a six-speed manual transmission.
The Africa Twin will feature Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which offers the rider three levels of control and on/off ABS to the rear wheel. The motorcycle measures 2,335mm in length, 875mm in width and 1,475mm in height. The motorcycle comes with 1,575mm wheelbase, 250mm ground clearance and weighs 208kg. All these figures are spot on for the adventure motorcycle segment. Other off-road friendly bits include the tyre, which is 21 inch up front and 18 inch at the rear and the 18.8-litre fuel tank capacity.
The Africa Twin will compete against the likes of the Triumph Tiger series and Suzuki V-Storm 1000 in India.
